Key features

Sycamore House description

Sycamore House is situated in the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan in the heart of the Burren National Park, a karst limestone region, one of the largest in Europe where you will find arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants side by side.

From the front of the house you can see the rolling hills of the Burren, its limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks known as 'grikes' leaving isolated rocks called 'glints'. The rear of the house is mostly glazed to take in the views of Ballyvaughan harbour and across Galway Bay and the mountains of Connemara.

With its large gently sloping lawn fronting onto the shoreline, a pathway from the house along by an old stone wall leads to flag stone steps onto the sea shore. There is also a secluded seating area with polished limestone table at the end of this pathway where one can relax and watch the ever changing seascape as the tides go in and out.

The house has been designed to optimize the views. From the moment you enter the house you have views of Galway Bay. The sunken open plan kitchen-dining area is the heart of the house and boasts a glass wall 24'long by 12' high.

The house is centrally heated throughout and for added comfort there is a solid fuel stove in this area which gives a warm cozy feeling when temperatures outside start to drop. Total floor space in the house is 3200 sq ft so space is generous in every room. All five bedrooms are ensuite and we pride ourselves on the quality of our beds and linen.

Between them there are four queen sized beds and three single beds and the master bedroom which stands alone on the upper level has an extra sofa bed which is mostly used for relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book while also gazing out to sea.

Ballyvaughan village regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Burren region has a choice of good restaurants, craft shops and local shops. It is the ideal base to explore the rich heritage of the Burren and surrounding areas. The famous Burren Way (26 miles of green road) starts in Ballyvaughan, goes to Fanore, Doolin and ends in Liscannor taking in the Cliffs of Moher.

For the golfers, the famous links course at Lahinch is only a thirty minute drive from the house and further down the Clare coast is the Greg Norman designed Doonbeg course. There is also a choice of less well known courses such as Gort and Ennis.

Close to the house the unspoiled beaches of Bishops Quarter and Fanore invite you to swim ,kayak and surf. The sheltered Ballyvaughan Bay is suitable for all kinds of water activities. Try a swim in the sea or learn to dive with the Burren Adventure Dive Centre.

Finally when it is time to relax the living room beckons to put your feet up, with its plush leather sofas and soft furnishings and to add to the atmosphere on those cooler nights why not start a fire in the large open fireplace made from polished Burren stone. As an added treat firewood is provided free of charge.

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Reviews

Michael D

November 2015

We were at the house with my two kids (6 and 7, ) mother, sister and my wife and I. More then enough room for everyone and such a great base to explore the area. Pictures don't do the place justice as every room, bathroom, everything is super nice. The two fireplaces keep the place warm and the views just can't be beat.
Take a walk down to the shore in the morning with a cup of coffee and you'll know you made the right choice.
There are a few pubs in town that were fun to visit, but it doesn't feel as transient as some of the bigger villages in the area. We made it to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, St. John's Castle and into Galway and this house was great base. I'd highly recommend staying here, you won't be sorry.

Nancy K

July 2015

After communicating with Seamus prior to our arrival in Ballyvaughan, with my many questions , which were always promptly and kindly answered, it was time for our drive to the Burren. We actually drove through the Burren to get to Ballyvaughan. Upon arrival at Sycamore House , we were greeted by Seamus,Mary and their daughter. We were given some great information about the area, shown around the amazing house, which is very well stocked with everything you could possibly need. The pictures do not do justice to the amazing views out the rear of the house. The house itself was spacious and comfortable. One morning was a little chilly , so we made a fire in the wood burning stove in the kitchen and it heated right up. We enjoyed walking into town to the pubs and restaurants and touring around the area. We really enjoyed our stay at Sycamore House and loved the town of Ballyvaughan. Although we were only a group of 6, this house would accommodate many more people very comfortably. Thanks to Seamus and Mary for providing such a wonderful stay!

Lorrie H

September 2015

First of all, Seamus was wonderful in communicating timely to any inquiry. The house is perfect for a large group, nice bedrooms and private bathrooms. Everything is well kept, up to date and very clean. The location is perfect for a get away, you can walk into town (3 great pubs, good food), quiet surroundings and incredible view. I look forward to visiting again.

Mickey G

October 2014

A group of 12 of us including 3 teenagers stayed here for three nights as a reunion. I was a bit nervous as I though 12 people staying in one house might be a bit difficult and cramped. However the place was fantastic. All the bedrooms were a great size and the kitchen and living room areas were huge. When we arrived the owners had the two stoves lighting so the place felt very warm and homely. It was spotlessly clean and was exactly as described in the literature. 5 minutes walk takes you into Ballyvaughan which has a number of really nice pubs and restaurants. We did a couple of longs walks in the areas around Fanore and the caves. Both were well marked and easy to follow. It was a really enjoyable couple of days. I have no hesitation in recommending both the house and the area.

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